On reflection...

[cartwright4]

Was sat in the Chelsea Home end for the game on Saturday (was offered a free corporate ticket through work). Obviously absolutely gutted following the last 5 minutes, goes without saying. A few observations from the day though in no particular order...

By hook or by crook, we came within minutes of beating a side, who up until a few months ago, hadn't lost at home in something like 2 and a half years.

That said, despite largely restricting them to a lot of long range efforts, they defintely had the opportunities to put the game to bed, well before we scored.

Beattie and Etherington both look quality additions.

Etherington is finally the out and out left winger we've been after, and when he's on the ball there's just this self-assurance that he's comfortable with it at his feet, compared to Cresswell (bless him) who looks like his hearts beating at 100mph.

Beattie on the other hand, looks good on the deck as well as in the air and will definately bring other players into the game I feel. He was a little quiet against Chelsea, but more due to a lack of service than anything else. Plus, he did setup the goal, so a solid debut.

Whilst on the subject of forwards, we are lacking pace, bigtime! Maybe it's because I was sat up in the gods in the stand I was in, but there was countless opportunities it seemed where we had Chelsea on the break, and a ball over the top (not even necessarily a great one) could have been latched onto by a half decent striker. Pulis may have a difficult decision to make here, as I don't see Beattie and Mamma being effective together up front for this reason (i.e. a lack of pace). That said, if you go for Fuller (for his pace) and Beattie, it seems almost criminal that Mamma gets left out after his contribution so far this year. I wonder perhaps if the way forward is to utilise Mamma more at home, as a battering ram to break down defences; and Fuller more away?

Next point, when Stoke scored, watching the Stoke fans celebrate was one of the funniest things I have seen. I can't recall an away following going any more bonkers than we did, it looked like chaotic madness, and loads of fun! I even overheard a few of the Chelsea fans comment upon this.

Sorenson seems to be the most assured goalie we've had for many a season. I confess when we bought him, I had him down as a bit of a flapper and wasn't convived he was that good. He's proved me wrong though and then some.

Finally, Rory Delap for me, is the embodiement of this team. Even putting his goal aside (and his long throws), his drive and determination is first class. He's by no means the most talented player we have, but he's rarely less than 8/10 for me.

Pain was numbed Saturday night, with several Oliver Bierhoffs in Fulham after the game.

[Laughing Gravy]

Good balanced post. Agree with most of it.
That pace you mention might just have been Fuller.

I think Tone might favour Fuller at home with Beattie as the target man with Mama on the bench as a late battering ram and away Beattie up top with Mama in his familiar role with Fuller on the bench.

Not sure where that leaves Kitson!!!

[lordb]

good post,Sorenson made mistake sv Liverpool.good to see him come back the next game with his A game.

Fuller is the issue,will TP leave him on the bench?

or will we get Dindane?

[mermaidsal]

Don't know why but my eyes leaked a little with pride at reading that. Maybe because we're finally a Prem team now but at the same time we're in such a fragile position?